Creating an online company can take much of the stress out of entrepreneurship. The internet offers a vast array of tools to help businesses prosper. It will never be easy to grow a business. That being the case, a few key strategies can make the difference between success and stagnation. Here are six simple tactics you can use to build your online business.
1. Leverage Digital Automation
This tip comes first because it’s arguably the most important. Leveraging the power of automation can connect your brand with leads. Customer relationship management (CRM) software can track the status of leads. Project management tools can aid in coordinating remote sales teams. Automation can also help streamline expensive business processes. For example, if you operate a music store, specialized music store software like an integrated POS and website can make e-commerce a breeze for customers. Choose automated systems that serve your company’s needs.
2. Focus on Content Marketing
One trick for better sales is a stop selling products and start selling your brand. Traditional advertisements can be hit-or-miss. In 2021, a study by Nielsen found that the best promotions are values-based. 43% of respondents wished to see values-focused promotions compared to only 20% who enjoyed celebrity endorsements. Communicate your company’s values by focusing on content creation. Informative blog posts, instructional videos, and personal stories forge an emotional connection between brands and those they serve. Use your social media pages to their utmost in building winning content channels.
3. Make Your Brand a Community
Creating digital content results in the creation of a community. An often-overlooked facet of content creation is “social proofing.” Another word for this is “testimonials.” Consumers want to see products used by people like them on channels they trust. They also want to connect with other people who share their interests. Strong brand identities reflect the values and expectations of their niche. Give your customers a safe, civil forum where they can interact with each other and your company. The same social media tools (such as live chat) can be used to give high-quality customer service for a minimal outlay of resources.
4. Optimize Your Landing Page
Your website is likely the first place customers will visit to learn more about you. Your landing page is the customer’s gateway to your brand’s entire web presence. Optimizing that page for ease of use is a straightforward way to increase conversions. Be sure that the layout and color scheme use science-backed design principles to be easier on the eyes. Websites should also be mobile-friendly. Research consistently shows that around 58% of consumers are using mobile devices to surf. That means using responsive layouts and optimizing site speed is critical to e-commerce. Make the customer’s experience as hassle-free as possible.
5. Use Omnichannel Outreach Strategies
Cross-promotion is too lucrative to ignore. Traditional multichannel marketing involves sending the same message through multiple different channels. Omnichannel marketing means offering content on each channel that is tailored specifically to that channel. A user might get a text message about a new product the same day it’s shown in action on TikTok. Both multichannel and omnichannel marketing remain practical in unique ways, but omnichannel strategies allow customers to personalize their journey with your brand.
6. Reward Customer Loyalty
Speaking of promotions, rewarding loyal customers is another powerful growth strategy. According to research by Constant Contact, repeat buyers spend an average of 67% more than new customers. People spend money in places where they feel valued. Keep nurturing that relationship with special offers geared toward rewarding loyalty. Discounts for big spenders, gifts in exchange for referrals, and VIP access to events and new products are all perks that can keep customers coming back.
No single hack will result in successful growth. Any sustainable expansion requires a deep knowledge of your target audience and a comprehensive sales strategy. These tips can help you build on the fundamentals to create a dynamic plan for future growth.
